Whether you’re a serious or casual runner, having an exercise partner can make running more enjoyable and motivate you to get out there, even when you don’t feel like it. Your loyal canine companion can make an excellent running buddy, and regular exercise and companionship lead to a variety of wonderful benefits for both you and your pet.

Your team at West Park Animal Hospital is always on the lookout for ways to encourage safe and fun exercise for all of our sweet patients. We applaud you for your interest in running with your dog, and encourage you to keep the following safety precautions in mind before you hit the pavement or trail together.

Running with Your Dog, Safely

• Be aware of the type of surface your dog is running on and adjust your run accordingly. Hot asphalt or pavement can burn your dog’s paw pads. Roadside/trail debris, such as sticks, rocks, and broken glass, can cause injury. Be sure to check the condition of your pet’s paws before and after each run, and stick with soft, shaded surfaces whenever possible.
• Puppies should not engage in extended, high-impact exercise until they are 1-2 years of age (depending on breed), as permanent damage can result to still-developing bones and joints.
• Take your dog’s breed into consideration when determining how far to run with them. Sporting and herding breeds are more likely to be able and willing to run long distances, and many smaller dogs make excellent running companions. Short-nosed breeds (bulldogs, pugs, etc.) have shortened airways and should probably not run, especially in warmer weather.
• Speaking of warm weather, always be mindful of your dog’s safety and comfort while running. Don’t run with your dog in the heat of the day, and take frequent breaks for water and rest as needed. Watch your dog closely for signs of dehydration or heat stroke, such as excessive panting/drooling, stumbling, vomiting, or pale gums.
• Stay away from retractable leashes, which could pose a tripping or entanglement hazard, and allow your dog to pull too much. A standard leash and collar/harness is best (no choke, prong, or Martingale collars), or consider a specialized running harness to avoid chafing.

It can be tempting to skip the warm-up or cool-down, but your dog’s (and your) joints and muscles will pay the price. A few minutes of brisk walking or light jogging right before and after your run is all that is needed.

Give Us a Call

Before starting any new exercise routine with your pet, be sure to make an appointment for a wellness exam with your West Park Animal Hospital veterinarian. We will make sure that your pet is healthy enough for strenuous exercise and update any necessary vaccines and parasite preventives. We are always here to answer your questions and concerns regarding your pet, so don’t hesitate to give us a call!

The post Running with Your Dog: Tips for Safety and Fun appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Temperatures are starting to heat up, and although it’s not too unbearable yet, we know hot weather is approaching! Now is a great time to gather ideas and recipes for one of the most delightful summer activities: making summer treats for your dog.

If you love to make things for your dog, but you’re short on ideas, never fear! West Park Animal Hospital has gathered some cool treats that are tasty, healthy, and fun for your dog.

Pupsicles

You may already be familiar with this popular idea. Making a pupsicle begins with filling small Dixie cups or an ice tray with your dog’s favorite fillings. Simply add a small bone in the center (the “stick”) and freeze. The finished product looks like a popsicle – one that your dog will love! There are countless variations on this easy-to-prepare treat. Here are some of our favorites:  

Chicken stock and parsley – Use low-sodium chicken stock mixed with water; add a small dog bone and freeze for 6 hours. Your dog will love the taste, and parsley is a nice breath freshener (though no match for tooth brushing!).

Greek yogurt and mint – Use a low-fat version of plain yogurt, and add some fresh mint leaves to create a refreshing snack for your dog.

Peanut butter and jam – Blend and freeze organic strawberries mixed with water. Add a dollop of peanut butter to your “stick” (make sure it’s xylitol free!).  

Summer Treats for Your Dog

In addition to pupsicles, you can make any number of creative summer treats for your dog. Here are our top picks:

Toy cake – Fill a cake mold with water (or chicken broth), and add in your dog’s favorite toys. Freeze well. Your dog will have a cool treat that will entertain them for hours.

Frozen kong – Many dogs love these toys. Try adding water, chicken broth, wet dog food, fruit, or peanut butter to the inside and freeze. Your dog will enjoy spending hours getting to the cool treat inside.

Fruit drops – Dip fresh fruit in soy or low-fat greek yogurt, then freeze. These bites will definitely keep your small dog happy and cool, without adding too many calories.

Fruit and yogurt bites – Puree fruit in a blender, and add in a dollop of plain, low-fat yogurt. Mix together. Pour into ice cube trays or silicone molds and freeze.

For maximum enjoyment, allow 6 hours for most recipes to freeze well.

You can also try lots of different fruit and yogurt combinations. Don’t forget to wash all fruits, and remove any rinds, seeds, and peels before serving them to your dog.

Keep in Mind

The following fruits should not be given to dogs, as they may cause toxicity:

• Grapes
• Raisins
• Peaches
• Plums
• Persimmons

As with any treat, remember to account for the extra calories in your dog’s daily intake. You may need to adjust their regular meals, so as not to overdo it. Talk to us about your dog’s nutritional requirements if you have any questions.

Do you have other ideas for summer treats for your dog? If we missed your favorite, please give us a call, and let us know!

The post Healthy and Fun: Summer Treats for Your Dog appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Whether you’ve hired a contractor or you’re doing the work yourself, a remodel at home can be a huge undertaking. Even if your project is confined to a small part of the house or it doesn’t have an extended timetable, home construction upends the natural ease and comfort that pets depend on.

Since they can’t see the big picture (or get excited about your home’s new addition), it’s understandable when their reactions center on stress, fear, and anxiety. However, by paying close attention to pet safety during a remodel, you can rest assured you’ll all get through the process unscathed.

Pets at Risk

Construction projects have their own unique sounds, smells, and sights, and they’re all probably new to your pet. With all the changes occurring inside the house, it’s critical to keep up with your pet’s routine. Be sure to maintain normal meal and exercise times, and be careful not to upset or remove their go-to potty spot(s) or scheduled bathroom breaks.

A Safe Space

Enforcing the pre-construction routine is vital to pet safety during a remodel, but what about the risk of tools? Certainly, the noise of certain tools, like hammers, have the potential to hurt (or even damage) your pet’s delicate ears. As a result, it’s a good idea to create a safe, quiet space for your pet to relax away from the noise and traffic of the project. Provide white noise, soft music, or other noise blockers.

Actual Dangers

In addition, the danger of things like nails or screw guns, jackhammers, and other power tools is very real. Please instruct your contractor or on-site workers to always keep these items in areas your pet can’t reach.  

Likewise, do your best to keep your pet away from the active construction zone (and surrounding areas), and request that work stop if/when your pet enters the site. Also encourage tasks be done outside when possible to decrease the chances of an accident inside the house.  

Pet Safety During a Remodel

Please know that most remodels are completed without a hitch, and the risks to pets are safely mitigated with common sense, keen attention, and follow-through. With that said, we offer the following tips for pet safety during a remodel:

• Inspect the site and perimeter daily for any dangers to your pet.
• Monitor the safety barrier or fencing.
• Ask that any holes (inside or outside) be covered up after construction hours.
• Crate your pet (or securely barricade them in a room) if you aren’t going to be home during the hours of construction.
• Microchip your pet or update any changes to an existing one.
• Introduce your pet to people who will be on your property during the project.
• Be aware of any chemicals, toxins, paints, dust, or fumes that may endanger your pet.
• Keep your pet active and engaged with you (exercise is critical during this stressful time).
• Know how to identify signs of pet stress and anxiety.

Another Solution

Boarding your pet might be worth considering. You can board them for the duration of the project or just on days you know will be loud or more dangerous. Of course, you’re welcome to make West Park Animal Hospital your pet’s home away from home anytime.

Our team is here to help. Please let us know if you have additional questions regarding pet safety during a remodel. Good luck!

The post Under Construction? The Keys to Pet Safety During a Remodel appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

By now, we all know that fruits and vegetables are part of a healthy diet. The same goes for our pets, who can benefit from the added vitamins and minerals found in small amounts of fresh produce. Allowing pets to have a bite of banana, a scoop of cooked sweet potato, or a few steamed green beans here and there is something pet owners can feel good about, and a treat that many pets enjoy immensely.

One can always have too much of a good thing, of course, and when it comes to pitted fruits, such as peaches, cherries, and nectarines, this is certainly the case. Pets and pitted fruit toxicity is a serious issue that all owners of fruit loving pets should be aware of. Here’s how to give your pet all the benefits of these nutritious fruits while they’re in season, without exposing them to a potential toxin.

Danger Within

Pitted fruits, also called stone fruits, are aptly named for the large, hard seed located in their centers. These seeds contain a compound called amygdalin, which breaks down into hydrogen cyanide, a powerful toxin for both people and pets when ingested. Because the amygdalin is located in the center of the pit, the pit must be chewed and broken open in order to expose the toxin.

The toxicity of stone fruits depends on the size of the pet, and the amount consumed. If you think that your pet has ingested one or more pits, watch for signs of cyanide poisoning, such as:

• Increased salivation
• Bright red gums
• Dizziness
• Rapid or difficulty breathing
• Convulsions

Cyanide poisoning is a life-threatening emergency. Give us a call and bring your pet in right away if they are displaying these signs, or take them to the nearest veterinary emergency hospital after hours.

Pets and Pitted Fruit

Besides cyanide poisoning, there are other reasons to exercise caution when it comes to pets and pitted fruit. Many types of pits have rough, uneven edges that can cause damage to a pet’s mouth, esophagus, or intestinal tract when eaten, or lead to a chipped or broken tooth. And, because the pits are technically inedible, they can put pets at risk for a dangerous intestinal obstruction if swallowed.

Although these fruits come with a laundry list of warnings, there’s no reason fruit loving pets should miss out on the vitamins A and C, potassium, fiber, and other health benefits of these sweet treats. Simply wash and cut off a small portion of the flesh as a treat for your pet, and never leave pets unattended near pitted fruits (or any food for that matter).

If you have pitted fruit trees on your property, be sure to either keep pets separated from them or clean up fallen fruits daily to prevent your pet from getting a hold of them.

As always, you can contact the staff at West Park Animal Hospital with any questions or concerns about pets and pitted fruits, or any other question you have regarding your pet.

The post Life’s the Pits When It Comes to Pets and Pitted Fruit Toxicity appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Brew day is fun, but it’s not something to take lightly at all. Carefully chosen ingredients – measured precisely – are cooked and combined to create a special sort of alchemy. Without a doubt, home brewing requires excellent timing, preparation, and focus.

But in the midst of hop pellets, yeast, and spent grain, pets can find themselves in a lot of trouble. Additionally, alcohol toxicity in pets is a significant risk of home brewing. To prevent emergencies connected to home brewing, we offer the following tips.

Hops

Many home brewers cultivate and harvest their own hops. Not only does this offer more control over the bitter characteristics in craft beer recipes, homegrown hops create a beautiful, lush canopy over a pergola or fence. However, if a pet has unrestricted access to the area where hops are growing and dropping their cones, they could face the following repercussions from the resin and essential oils:

• Rapid rise in internal temperature
• Excessive panting
• Lethargy
• Abdominal pain
• Increased heart rate

Symptoms vary, but typically appear between 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion of hops. Seizures, brain damage, and death can occur if not treated immediately. The best way to prevent this emergency? Do not allow your pet to access hops. Securely store dried hops and/or the commercial pellet varieties.

Wort Production

To make malt, dried, sprouted barley is milled, mashed, and steeped in hot water. The sugar is then extracted from the liquid wort. Malt extract can also easily be added to water to save steps in homebrewing. To sanitize the wort, the mixture is boiled, hops are added, and the tier gets a good workout for the next few hours. Once cooled, yeast is added to yield fermentation.

The Trouble with Yeast

Pets can get in trouble at any step during the way (boiling water, for starters), but if yeast is consumed, pets may vomit, experience diarrhea, have trouble breathing, and have decreased coordination. Coma and death are also severe, but not rare, outcomes of homebrewing with pets.

Spent Grain

You may have seen spent grain dog treats. Most dogs love them, especially since they’re usually combined with peanut butter.

Breweries give this stuff away by the bucket load (for composting, mushroom growing, and stock feed, among other reasons), but what’s in it? After the sugar, proteins, and other nutrients have been extracted from the mash (which can be wheat, corn, rye, and even rice), the leftover malt from the mash (and other nutrients) comprise the spent grain component.

Most pet hops poisoning are the result of eating the spent grain mixture. If you compost yours, please ensure that your pet cannot get into it.

Grain whiskeys are created with similar ingredients; please proceed with caution when distilling at home.

Alcohol Toxicity in Pets

Alcohol contains ethanol. Depending on the pet and the amount ingested, alcohol toxicity in pets can be fatal. Confusion, weakness, hyperactivity, panting, and vomiting are obvious signs. Please do not delay: Seek emergency care ASAP.

Always Here

If you have additional questions about homebrewing or alcohol toxicity in pets, your West Park Animal Hospital team is always here for you. Cheers!

The post The Home-Brewer’s Guide: Alcohol Toxicity in Pets and Other Hazards appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

The image of a fluffy barn cat lapping from a bucket next to a big Holstein cow is an iconic one for sure. While many of us search our refrigerators for a gallon of milk as a treat for our feline friends, cats and milk actually aren’t a good combination. West Park Animal Hospital wants all our cat loving readers to know more about this common misconception.  

Why Cats and Milk Don’t Mix

Cats are known to gravitate toward rich, fatty flavors. Milk (full fat milk and cream in particular) is no exception.

There are two main reasons owners should limit dairy intake for our pets:

Lactose — Just like some humans, cats lack the enzyme required to break down lactose. Feeding milk to pets that are lactose intolerant can result in painful abdominal cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. While most cats are able to tolerate small amounts reasonably well, feeding milk in larger amounts or too frequently can result in serious digestive upset.

Calories — The majority of U.S. house cats are overweight or obese, and we can’t turn a blind eye to the fact that milk (even non-cow milk) contains calories your pet likely doesn’t need. Cow’s milk contains no nutritional value to a feline who’s already receiving a balanced diet. Even skim milk contains about 80 calories per cup, which is nearly ¼ of your cat’s daily recommended intake.

Treats should make up a small percentage (< 6%) of your pet’s daily caloric intake. While a tablespoon of milk or a similar option, such as Cat-Sip, is okay in moderation, large amounts aren’t necessary and can actually be harmful.

What About Kittens?

Of course, kittens, like all mammals, need milk to survive. However, if you find yourself raising an abandoned kitten and need to bottle feed, avoid reaching for cow’s milk.

Up until about 8 weeks of age, kittens have adequate supplies of lactase, making lactose intolerance less of an issue. You want to be sure, however, that your kitten receives a nutritionally balanced milk.

Of course, milk from a cat would be best, but when that’s not available, a commercially prepared kitten formula, such as KMR, is ideal.

Proactive pet owners know that feeding their cat the right diet is the best way to promote good health and to prevent disease. For the most part, try to avoid giving your cat any milk. As always, please let us know if you need help formulating a healthy diet plan for your pet.

The post Cats and Milk:  A Natural Match or Not a Good Idea? appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Most of us would agree that good nutrition is the cornerstone of lifelong health, and the quality and quantity of the food we choose can make a significant impact on overall wellbeing and vitality. This is very true for our pets, whether we’re talking about an energetic puppy or kitten or a senior pet who has health issues that can be helped with a specific diet.

Your pet’s life stage is one of the most important factors in so many aspects of wellness, and choosing the right food based on this information is critical. Let’s take a closer look at why finding the proper diet is so important.

Life Stage-Centric Nutrition

Walk down any aisle with pet food and you’ll quickly notice whether an item is for an adult, a puppy/kitten, or a senior pet. There are even products for in-between stages and specifications based on activity level, breed, and so forth.

Despite all the trends, a pet’s life stage is absolutely the base factor for dietary formulation. You can easily understand the diet needed for a developing puppy is different than one for an 8-year-old adult.

The standards for food based on life stage are set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Even if a food is marketed as “good for all life stages” or something similar, it’s important to look for the AAFCO statement to ensure the diet is nutritionally balanced for your pet’s age.

Why a Pet’s Life Stage Matters

Your pet is probably more than happy to eat any food put in their bowl, but did you know there’s actually a lot of science that goes into analyzing the precise dietary needs of your pet?

• Puppy/kitten diets – Young pets grow quickly during their first year of life, and this growth requires protein and fat, as well as calcium and phosphorus. Kittens typically have sensitive digestive systems and can benefit from highly digestible foods.
• Adult diets – Adults, meaning dogs and cats over 1 years of age up to 7 years (younger with large breeds), often need diets that take into consideration weight control and dental health. Adolescent and adult pets require a balance of animal-based protein, vitamins and minerals, fatty acids, fiber, and grains. At this stage, some pets will require additional support if there’s an underlying health need.
• Senior/mature diets – This phase of a pet’s development can vary from pet to pet. While the label “mature” generally refers to pets older than 6-8 years, there are some cats and small breed dogs who often live 15+ years. It’s best to ask your veterinarian when to switch to a senior diet for your fur friend.

Like adults, senior diets have the same ingredients (with some exceptions) but call for a reduced calorie count to prevent obesity. In some cases, older pets will have significant periodontal disease which requires a soft diet for easy consumption.

As you can see, chemical analysis and food studies have produced the best dietary options for each stage of your pet’s life, and we highly recommend following them. The right nutrition is the foundation of good health; it can even mitigate certain health problems from developing or progressing.

If you’d like to schedule a nutritional consult with one of our friendly team members, we’re happy to help. Adhering to recommendations based on your pet’s life stage is paramount to maintaining and improving wellness. Please call us for more information or to schedule a visit.

The post Food for Life: Why a Pet’s Life Stage is an Important Factor in Nutrition appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Do you have an escapee pet? You know the type – always hanging around the front door, waiting for the opportunity to push past our legs and run for freedom?

Unfortunately, the statistics regarding pet loss are staggering. One in three pets will be lost in their lifetime. Over 10 million are lost in the U.S. each year. Without any identification, 90% of pets will never find their way home.

We don’t want any owners to experience this heartbreaking situation, which is why the team at West Park Animal Hospital wants to discuss the importance of microchipping your pet.

 

What is a Microchip?

A microchip is a device (roughly the size of a grain of rice) that’s placed under your pet’s skin. The microchip stores a unique ID number that can be used to contact you if your pet is ever lost. The procedure is simple and can be performed during your pet’s annual wellness exam.

How Does it Work?

Once the microchip is in place, you need to register it with the National Pet Recovery Database. This two-step process ensures you have the best chance at being reunited with your pet. If your pet is lost, any veterinary office or shelter can use their microchip scanner to obtain the ID number on your pet’s chip. Once the shelter has this information, the microchip company is called, and they can tell you your pet’s location.

Microchips rely on radio frequency, which means there are no moving parts or batteries, and microchips never expire.

The Importance of Microchipping Your Pet

Here are some reasons microchipping your pet is always a good idea:

• Microchips can never be lost or stolen. Unlike a collar and tags, microchips can never be lost or stolen. They’re a permanent source of identification that can settle ownership disputes and help thousands of pets reunite with their true owners.
• Even indoor pets can sometimes escape. It’s true, and we see it often, even with the most diligent owner. All it takes is one unfortunate circumstance to find your pet lost (no pun intended). And that’s not even taking into account the unpleasant thought of natural disasters.
• Microchips save lives. When pets are lost, they can get into trouble and end up at an emergency veterinary hospital. With a microchip, we can contact you right away and get your approval to treat your pet above and beyond basic life saving and comfort measures.
• The procedure is safe and nearly painless. Inserting a microchip is similar to your pet receiving a vaccine. It doesn’t require sedation or anesthesia (but may be performed at the same time if your pet is going under for a different procedure). Once the microchip is in place, your pet should not feel it at all.

Remember, if you move, simply call or visit the microchip company’s website to update your address.

We hope this has shed some light on the importance of microchipping your pet. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us.

The post The Short Way Home: Microchipping Your Pet appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

If you’ve ever had a scare with head lice, it’s likely you never want to experience it again. Head lice, which is a specific species called Pediculus humanus capitis, only affects humans. In other words, while lice may spread from one human family member to another, it’s impossible that your pet was the cause of the problem.

Unfortunately, however, pets get lice – just a different kind. Keep reading to learn more about this itchy, annoying, and sometimes harmful parasite.

Which Types of Lice Affect Pets?

A louse (singular form of lice) is a wingless insect that lives in the hair, skin, or feathers of a variety of species, absorbing their blood or dander. Each type of lice is species-specific, which is why, for example, the common head lice that infects humans cannot feed off your dog.

Lice are very small, but like most insects, they’re composed of a head, thorax, abdomen, and six legs. Much like fleas, lice proliferate by laying eggs called nits. Nits are tiny, white oblong eggs, resembling dandruff, and they’re sometimes the first visual indication of an infestation. It takes about 4 weeks for a nit to develop into a reproducing adult louse.

Both dogs and cats, as well as pocket pets, certain birds, and livestock, can all become infected given the right circumstances. The types of fleas that are found on dogs (and other canids) include Trichodectes canis and Linognathus setosus. Cat lice, called Felicola subrostratus, are also specific to cats and do not affect humans.

Symptoms and Treatment

Now that you know that lice are species-specific and that your family will not become infected due to dog or cat lice, it’s also good to know how they spread. Having more than one pet of the same species means you’ll need to treat all of them for lice if one gets infected (regardless of whether they show any signs).

So, what are the signs?

• Scratching, biting at skin
• Rubbing face on floor
• Redness of the skin
• Scabs
• Dryness
• Restlessness
• Hair loss
• Matted fur

In some cases, you may be able to identify the white nits on the skin or coat.

When pets get lice, treatment includes a few applications of a veterinarian prescribed medical shampoo/topical. While there are numerous products on the market, some of them are not as effective as others.

We must also stress there are products that are used on dogs that are highly toxic to cats. Never use a product formulated for dogs on cats, and cats should not be around during application. Pets who are being treated for lice should also be quarantined from other animals and should avoid dog parks. Initial treatments will kill adult lice, but not the eggs. That’s why more than one application is needed over a specific period of time.

Unfortunately, Pets Get Lice (and Other Parasites)

If your pet has been itching lately, please give us a call. Itching may indicate a wide range of issues, and oftentimes, other parasites, allergies, or dermatological issues are present. The sooner we can diagnose your pet, the sooner they can get relief from the discomfort and pain of chronic scratching.

The post Can Pets Get Lice? appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.